Snap counts: 49ers get good safety play despite mixing and matching

The 49ers wanted to work Jimmie Ward back into the fold slowly after his prolonged absence from a hamstring injury. The team’s projected starting free safety was limited to playing in dime packages as the third safety on the field early in Sunday’s loss to Seattle.

But then strong safety Eric Reid went down with a left knee injury that forced Ward’s workload to increase dramatically. It shifted Jaquiski Tartt to strong safety with Ward patrolling the deep portion of the field.

The team’s safety play was sound throughout the game, despite being in flux. The 49ers yielded just 188 yards through the air on 39 throws from Russell Wilson, giving him a modest average of just 5.1 yards per attempt, which is good enough to win most games.

The defensive front did it’s part by pressuring Wilson throughout the day. The Seahawks struggling offensive line could do little to stop DeForest Buckner. The safeties allowed just 9 yards total when targeted by Wilson in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus.

Tartt played every snap. His day was highlighted by a big hit to dislodge a pass to Jimmy Graham. Reid was playing well before leaving, finishing third on the team with seven tackles. Ward had five tackles and broke up a pass.

The defense wound up playing 33 more snaps than San Francisco’s offense. The Seahawks had nearly a 2-to-1 advantage in time of possession throughout the game, which led to Seattle’s rushing game headed by Chris Carson salting the game away in the fourth quarter.

The 49ers will likely keep practice light this week before hosting the Rams on Thursday night after a robust workload.